Who says Americans don’t pay attention to international affairs? Down in Palm Beach, the county commissioner — Burt Aaronson, pictured above — has decided that he’s had enough of the French. He’s lobbying to have the district officially change the name of “french fries”:

Aaronson wants the name changed to “freedom fries” or “American fries.” The traditional “french fry” is out. “I won’t even mention the other name,” he said Tuesday.

He wants the Palm Beach County Commission to pick one of the alternatives and make it official.

Aaronson said his feelings stem from the French government’s lack of support for the United States over the possible war with Iraq. Like France, he said United Nations inspectors need more time to look for weapons in Iraq and he hopes for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

But he does not like France telling the United States what to do.

“American lives were left all through France thorough two world wars,” Aaronson said. “This is another little thing to say to the French government, `Wake up.’”